Cowra resident Tiit Tonuri, a retired Lieutenant Colonel affirmed his Australian Citizenship as part of the town's Australia Day ceremonies at the civic centre on Sunday morning.
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Despite being in Australia since 1950 Tiit had not been naturalised.
"We arrived in Australia in 1950," Tiit said.
"When my parents were naturalised, I was excluded as I had turned 16 during the drawn out process.
"I had to start all over again to obtain citizenship in my own right.
"Being a teenager, the whole process, and in particular the Naturalisation Ceremony, went over my head.
"I have no memory of the occasion, all I have is the Naturalisation Certification.
"I now observe the joy and jubilation and emotion displayed by our newest citizens as they embrace their new nationality.
"Today I share that pride by publically affirming my Australian citizenship.
"Thank you Australia," a very proud Tiit said before the packed civic centre.
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